Wedding Music

Music for your wedding ceremony and reception

So it's time to choose the soundtrack to your wedding day. Great music will complement the tone and atmosphere of your event, while poor wedding music will … well … make you wish you'd chosen something else! But before you pick specific tunes, you'll need to know your general style. In other words, what type of music do you prefer? Will you go for live music or recorded music? We've got the rundown on each one to help you decide!

Live Music: It's All About the Performance

If you've always loved the sound of real instruments being played in person, then live wedding ceremony music might be your thing. Picture walking down the aisle as a soloist or string quartet strums wedding march music or a lovely ballad. The effect will be a personal, memorable touch that you and your guests will love.

Live wedding music can also jazz up your reception. The good thing about live performances is that they come in many forms, so you can arrange to have anything from a soloist to an ensemble of musicians, or even a full orchestra. You can also select your style, such as jazz, chamber or band music, or hire a professional wedding singer who can take requests from your guests. When the dinner is done and the speeches have been said, your guests will be able to sit back and enjoy the performance. And if that's all they want to do, you're in luck because a live band caters to dancers and non-dancers alike - relaxing, lounge-style music will suit those who'd rather sit the night away, while popular hits or ballroom dancing tunes can be played for those who want to shake things up on the dance floor.

Recorded Music: Cost-Effective and Popular

No one says you have to stick to bland, boring organ music during your wedding ceremony. Check with your minister or church leader to see if you can bring in recorded wedding music for the occasion instead. Once you've been given the okay, just make sure you've got a suitable sound system ready to play your tunes.

For recorded wedding reception music, you'll need a disc jockey. If you're a frugal bride, you'll be happy to know that DJs typically cost less than hiring live musicians. After all, if you're working with a band that has ten members, you're dealing with ten different people who will be looking to make money. DJs usually work alone, so they're the one and only person to whom you'll have to cut a check.

As a matter of taste, some people would rather hear their favorite songs sung by the original artists - that's where a good wedding DJ comes in. He'll play a wide range of radio tunes that you and your guests will love. He can also recommend popular wedding songs or suggest alternatives for couples who have a unique musical style. Many DJs will also act as master of ceremonies if you need them to. If you've chosen the right person for the job, he will add a certain stage presence to your night and know how to keep the party going!